Representative-elect for Florida Congressional District 16, projected by Decision Desk HQ after the November 3, 2026 election. Not yet the sitting member.
In their own words
- Cost of living: cut taxes and fight rising costs so working families can afford gas, groceries and everyday essentials. source
- Housing costs: curb overdevelopment and keep homeownership within reach for working families. source
- Seniors and veterans: strengthen veterans' benefits and protect Social Security and Medicare so seniors and those who served can retire with security. source
- Secure border: work with President Trump and ICE to keep families safe from violent criminals entering the country illegally. source
Priorities as the candidate states them, each linked to where they said it.
Election update, November 4, 2026: Decision Desk HQ projects Sydney Gruters as the winner of the November 3, 2026 election in Florida Congressional District 16. She is representative-elect, not the sitting member of Congress for this district. Results are unofficial and subject to certification. Source: Decision Desk HQ
Sydney Gruters was the 2026 Republican nominee for Florida's 16th congressional district, which covers all of Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties, parts of Sarasota and southern Pinellas counties, and a slice of southern Polk around Fort Meade and Bradley Junction. Endorsed by President Donald Trump prior to launching her campaign, she won a competitive Republican primary in August.
Gruters is focused on securing the southern border, promoting American energy independence, lowering household costs, and ensuring veterans receive top-tier healthcare and community support. She ran to succeed retiring Representative Vern Buchanan in the November 3, 2026 general election.
About this office: Members of the U.S. House write federal law and control federal spending. Terms run two years, so this seat is on the ballot every cycle.